Landlords: Urgent Action Needed on RTS Meters Before 30 June

If you're a landlord, there’s an important energy update you need to be aware of. British Gas has warned that around 300,000 households must replace their electricity meters by 30 June 2025, or risk higher bills—and even potential loss of heating and hot water.

This affects older-style Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, which rely on a longwave radio signal to switch between peak and off-peak electricity rates. Once this signal is permanently switched off later this year, these meters will no longer function properly.

What’s the risk?

Without the signal, RTS meters:

• Can no longer detect cheaper off-peak rates, leading to increased energy costs.

• May stop working altogether—leaving tenants without heating or hot water.

• Could leave heating stuck on permanently, wasting energy and money.

This has serious implications for landlords. If a tenant is left without heating or hot water, it may amount to a breach of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which legally requires landlords to keep installations for space heating and water heating in good repair and proper working order.

Why is this the Landlord’s responsibility?

While the energy account may be in the tenant’s name, landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring their property’s heating and hot water systems are safe, functioning, and properly maintained. If the RTS meter fails after the signal is switched off, it could disrupt essential services.

That could mean:

• No heating or hot water,

• Systems stuck in the “on” position,

• Properties running on higher-rate tariffs, increasing tenant costs.

All of this could lead to tenant complaints or legal repercussions. That’s why it’s vital for landlords—not just tenants—to act now and ensure the meter is replaced.

The pressure is on

Although over 1,000 RTS meters are being replaced daily, experts estimate 5,000 replacements per day are needed to meet the June 2025 deadline. Time is tight.

Charlotte Friel, Director for Retail Pricing and Systems at Ofgem, explains:

“Fitting a smart meter ahead of the change will actually open up potentially a wider range of tariffs and options to those customers, that could give them more control over their bills and certainly more visibility of their energy use.”

What you need to do

1. Check for an RTS meter in your property. These are often found in homes that use electricity for heating and hot water. Look for a label marked “Radio Teleswitch”.

2. Contact the energy supplier—either you or your tenant can request a replacement, typically free of charge.

3. Ask for a smart meter, which ensures compliance and gives tenants better insight into their energy use.

A sign of things to come

This change is part of a wider push toward energy efficiency in rental properties. By 2030, all rental homes must have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C.

A 2024 study by Simply Business found that 33% of landlords see improving energy efficiency as their biggest challenge. Planning ahead now helps you stay compliant and protect your property’s long-term value.

Need advice on upgrading your property or meeting new standards? Get in touch with our team—we’re here to help landlords navigate every step.